Feasibility report suggests 55 MW project, says Corporation
NONGPOH: In a major development on Thursday, the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Limited has decided to withdraw the 240 MW Killing Hydro Electrical Project proposed to be set up at Lamalong village under Mawhati constituency along the Ri Bhoi and Karbi Anglong border.
The NEEPCO, additionally, proposed that the 240 MW project will be replaced by a 55 MW project, DPR for which would be prepared by the Brahmaputra Board after proper survey.
This was disclosed by NEEPCO Executive Director T. Boruah in a meeting held at the office chamber of Ri Bhoi Deputy Commissioner Pooja Pandey on Thursday afternoon which was attended by representatives of the Assam Meghalaya Killing Hydro Electrical Project Protest Joint Action Committee.
During the meeting, the NEEPCO official informed that they had decided to abandon the project after examining the feasibility report which states that the 240 MW project is not viable.
He also said that the feasibility report suggests implementation of a 55 MW project under the same name – Killing Hydro Electrical Project. He added that the Brahmaputra Board would carry out the survey and prepare the DPR after which NEPCO will execute the project.
The Killing Hydro Electrical Project has been in the limelight for the past two years due to stiff opposition from local villagers of both Assam and Meghalaya who fear that the project would submerge 27 villages in both the states with the maximum loss to Meghalaya.
Notably, the 240 MW project was accorded clearance by both Assam and Meghalaya governments and also the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council of Assam.
Meanwhile, members of the JAC suggested that the ideal location for construction of the dam for the 55 MW project would be in Mikirpata, Karbihidi along the Assam-Meghalaya border where there is no human settlement.
The JAC also urged the NEEPCO to submit in writing their decision to withdraw the 240 MW project.